Ashley Sanchez wins 2026 NWSL Golden Boot

North Carolina Courage attacker Ashley Sanchez has won the 2026 National Women’s Soccer League Golden Boot for scoring the most goals this regular season with a league-record-tying 20.  She also added five assists, with her 25 goal contributions ranking as the second-most in a single NWSL season.

Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda finished close behind Sanchez with 17 goals in 23 games. Portland Thorns forward Sophia Wilson finished third with 15 goals in 28 games, including a Decision Day brace.

Sanchez started scoring early in the season with a brace in their season-opening game against Racing Louisville. She stayed on fire and ended the season with four total braces and one hat trick. Sanchez scored her 20th goal of the season, which tied the record set by Temwa Chawinga in 2024, on Sept. 27 against the Royals. However, she was unable to break the record as she was held off the scoresheet in her last three of 30 games played.